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Last week I tried my first Brooklyn Body Burn class. O.M.G. Now I know why it was dubbed “Pilates on crack.” The class itself is challenging, you’re shaking, sweating but definitely feeling it in the right hard to target areas (are you scared?! don’t worry it’s nothing you can’t handle). The next day and the following 4 days, I was hurtin’. That says A LOT. I go running regularly in addition to going to the gym, attending full body conditioning classes, boot camps you name it. So for me to be THAT sore for that length of time, tells me this is serious. It’s not the cheapest class but you know what, the way I look at it, it’s an investment in your body and you only got one.

The great thing about this class is that it was created by a classically trained ballet dancer, Tracy Karlinsky. Which is why I love it so much. Especially as a runner, I need a workout that is going to lengthen and strengthen the muscles that I don’t activate while running. The workout targets your arms, abs, and every inch of the booty. If you live in Williamsburg and are looking for a challenging workout to tone and tighten, THIS IS IT! I can’t wait to see the results from after a month! I’m hooked! Heading back for more burn tomorrow morning.

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TGIF y’all! Getting home from work today I received a prezzie in the mail (well…it was paid for already but when you order online it feels like a gift when it arrives, am I right?).

Tada! My skin saviors!

I just started using Dr. Hauschka products a couple of months ago and I am now a fan/follower. I have also converted my boyfriend and he is obsessed with the Melissa Day Cream. So much so, I made him buy his own because he kept using mine! (I mean it’s not like it was super cheap). However, when I find a product I like that actually works, not to mention all natural, I am willing to fork over the dough.

If you’re not familiar with Dr. Hauschka products, I will enlighten you.

In 1935 Dr. Hauschka and team founded their holistic pharmaceutical company called WALA which stands for Warmth Ash Light Ash. As their website states, this was “a revolutionary approach based on the understanding that beauty results from skin health. Dr.Hauschka Skin Care preparations and facial treatment methods are specifically formulated to restore beauty by working with the skin to support its own natural processes of renewal.”

So many weird ingredients are added to products without consumer knowledge, I strive to not only inform myself about what goes into my body but what gets slathered onto my largest organ.

Now what does it mean to be “holistic?”

By Webster definition : relating to or concerned with wholes or with complete systems rather than with the analysis of, treatment of, or dissection into parts.

This is all great but how does it apply to this product?

Firstly, their products are certified natural and they use the highest quality plants and minerals. Secondly, they make sure every plant was sourced ethically and ecologically and finally the packaging is free of pollutants and preservatives. This is where “holistic” is applied. They take the time to ensure the product is not only amazing for your skin, but in conjunction, that they are not damaging the environment in the process. This receives MAJUH two thumbs up.

I could go on and on but to find out more I highly recommend visiting their website. You can find products for every skin type/problem. My skin is combination but on the drier side during winter. I like the Melissa Day Cream because it helps balance sensitive combination skin (my skin will get redness in the winter) reduces any blemishes but also controls any shine you may have while helping your skin retain moisture. I know, this thing is too good to be true, but let me tell you, it’s AMAZING.

It soaks right into your skin, doesn’t leave a greasy feel and it has helped my skin tremendously. You only need a small amount, a little goes a long way.

Here’s a picture of how much I use and I’m hoping it gives you an idea of the consistency.

Melissa Day Cream $39.95

If you’re looking for a great product for your skin I highly suggest trying this brand. This website Pharmaca.com has Dr. Hauschka products for 20% off at the moment, so it’s a great way to try out the product if you don’t have access to a store which sells them OR you just want a little discount like I very much enjoy.

I’ve been doing my research for the last month about the health benefits of coconut oil. I’m super diligent about taking care of my skin. I visit my dermatologist yearly and I’m constantly researching oils, vitamins etc that benefit the skin. My latest purchase is pure coconut oil that I got from Whole Foods. I’m so excited to reap the benefits of this amazing oil that I had to share the information with you! So, not only can you cook with this oil, you can do what I’m doing and use it topically for skin and hair. (I actually saved about half of the oil into a separate container so that I can use it for cooking as well.)

Benefits of coconut oil:

hair care

skin care

stress relief

maintaining cholesterol levels

weight loss

increased immunity

proper digestion

Hair care benefits-Apparently coconut oil is one of the best nutritional oils for the hair. It helps with growth and shine. On the container it states to “apply for an hour or two before shampooing.” The coconut oil helps provide essential nutrients and proteins for damaged hair and when applied to the scalp can help with dandruff.

The reason I wanted to try coconut oil was mainly for skin care. My skin gets especially dry in the harsh NYC winters and I’ve been on a hunt to find the best natural solutions. So far my top picks are baby oil and Waleda-Arnica oil. However, I wanted to replace the baby oil with the coconut oil because of the anti-aging benefits it claims to have.

Skin care benefits- According to Organic Facts, coconut oil prevents destructive skin formation. It helps the connective tissues stay strong and supple to provide against wrinkling and sagging of the skin. It not only moisturizes your skin but helps in the restoration and repair of your skin. It helps slough off the top layer of dead skin revealing soft, new, smoother skin while penetrating the deeper layers and strengthening the underlying layers.

How could you NOT want to try this? There is so much information out there but I particularly liked this site: Organic Facts.

If you too are searching for an all natural skin moisturizer/anti-ager this may be something to try. For $10 a jar, I think it’s worth it.

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Do you ever feel so run down that no matter how much sleep you get or coffee you drink you STILL feel tired? I was eating well, working out but I was still feeling run down so I started doing some research.

I was reading the book, ‘You Are What You Eat’ by Dr. Gillian McKeith which I highly recommend if you are looking to jump-start your diet as well as learn how to eat super healthy to benefit your body. One of her recommendations to gaining energy was taking Blue Green Algae. Blue Green Algae is the most nutrient dense food on the planet containing proteins, vitamins, and biologically active enzymes so it’s a great way to gain energy.

I have to say this really has helped my energy levels. You just take two a day and you’re done! Want some other really great facts about Blue Green Algae and some amazing things it does for your body?

Powerful energy booster due to its’ incredibly high nutrient concentration.

Anti-aging effects on skin, hair and organs

High concentration of anti-oxidants, allowing the body to rid itself of toxins and free-radicals more easily.

Immune system strengthener. Clinical studies show that Blue-green Algae sends the Natural Killer (NK) cells into the blood stream. From there, these NK cells can find damaged tissues and begin to fight free-radicals.

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My aforementioned “hair guru” turned me onto this mask stating “It’s like botox for your hair!” I mean what girl isn’t going to try it after a statement like that? I love long hair but unfortunately my hair long requires a lot of TLC or I get split ends really easily and that ain’t pretty. So, I’m in the process of growing out my hair but taking utmost care of it and if J-Lo and Heidi Klum swear by this then sign me up because their hair is fab.

Ladies, if you need an amazing, revitalizing, ‘botox for your hair’ hair mask get this!